Open Lines with Cameron Ridle

The job of the Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is literally to sue people, but this week he's being sued. Indianapolis Journalist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz says Rokita is violating his First Amendment rights by denying him access to covering his office. Shabazz says, Rokita has denied his access to press events despite having a media security clearance issued by the State of Indiana.

Bodycam footage released in fatal police shooting of Amir Locke

Minneapolis police shot and killed 22-year-old Amir Locke as they carried out a no-knock warrant. In the footage, Locke is seen lying under a blanket holding what police say is a gun. It’s unclear if Locke, who was not named on the search warrant, was ever aware it was police entering his home. Authorities said they will conduct a transparent investigation.

PLUS: AG Rokita defends state-funded trip to southern U.S. border

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is defending a recent state-funded trip to the southern U.S. border.

According to Rokita’s office, the late January trip was his second to the southern border in three months. He met with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, law enforcement officials and other state attorneys general.

As the first month of 2022 comes to a close we take a look back at the news of January, as we keep close watch on what is happening at the Indiana Statehouse. Breanna Cooper, Staff Writer at The Indianapolis Recorder brings up to speed on several bills including HB 1134, HB 1041, and SB13.

As Indiana's daily COVID number skyrocket to record-breaking levels, we talk with Lauren Chapman from IPBS News for a deep dive into the numbers and the context behind them.

Plus, Radio One one is doing something rare, it's taking a stance against House Bill 1134, the bill that aims to regulate the way educators teach history. Regional VP and General Manager Deon Levingston explains why he is asking people to call Indiana Speaker of the House Todd Huston at 317-232-9677 and say no to HB 1134, "Education Matters."

Indiana's 2022 session is up and running and politicians have quickly made headlines for the bills they are proposing. Meanwhile Governor Holcomb gives his State of The State Address.

Arielle Brandy, President of The Indiana Young Democrats and Whitley Yates, Director of Diversity for the Indiana GOP join us on Open Lines to give their thoughts on where Indiana politics is headed.

As Indianapolis hosts the College Football Playoffs, we give a preview of the long list of free events and concerts residents can attend ahead of the game.

January is national mentoring month, we talk with Arnetta Scruggs from the Bloom Project and Chrystal Hines from Inner Beauty and New Breed of Youth. They tell us what their programs offer and how you can sign up to make a difference.

Cameron takes us into 2022 with a look ahead to the 3rd year of the pandemic, following a record-breaking year for shootings in Indianapolis.

Plus we look ahead to what is happening at The Indiana Legislature for 2022. We talk about a number of proposed bills that may catch your eye for one reason or another.

We bring the year 2021 to a close by hosting an hour of Open Lines where listeners provide their final thoughts of the year.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears breaks some news on Open Lines announcing he will run for re-election in 2022. Mears reflects on 2021 and the record amount of violence that occurred in Indianapolis. Mears also doubles down on statements he's made about the Bail Project getting special treatment.

We also have details on Christmas help! Alicia Jackson of Pride Academy is prepared to help 2,000 children.

Jackson is prepared to help families who have lost a parent due to violence or who have an incarcerated; parent. Saturday, December 18 @ 5-7A at Kohl's Department Store, 5660 Crawfordsville Road, 46224.

Then there is help for anyone who needs it also on December 18th, starting at 12 Noon at "B'More at The Balt," that's at 3091 Baltimore Avenue, 46218. Toys, Lunch, Coats and more will be given away. For more information contact Alicia Jackson at 317-373-5183.

Carmen 'Punkin' Davenport is December's person you should know.

Readers of her children's book know her as 'Carmen Davenport' while people on Facebook know her as 'Punkin Davenport' the creator of the 'Black Dolla Indy' Facebook group. 'Black Dolla' has become a popular online directory to Black Businesses in Central Indiana, which now has 39,000 members in the Facebook group.

In our second half of the show, we are 'Are you paying attention?' The Supreme Court could rule that abortion can be banned if a state government decides they want to ban abortions statewide. Indiana is one of the states that would add abortion restrictions. We are our listeners 'Are you paying attention?"